Burson has appointed former Accenture executive Jennifer Stearns as its global chief innovation officer, succeeding Chad Latz, who announced his departure from the agency last week.
Stearns will join Burson on September 22 and will oversee the agency’s AI and innovation initiatives. Her responsibilities will include developing new products, expanding existing technology tools and working with WPP on the broader use of AI across the business.
She brings more than a decade of executive experience at Accenture, where she held leadership roles spanning technology, sales and organisational change.
The appointment comes shortly after Burson acquired predictive intelligence company Limbik. The company had previously partnered with Burson on Decipher, an AI-powered platform designed to identify and assess emerging narratives.
As part of the acquisition, Limbik co-founders Zach Schwitzky and Josh Levin joined Burson. Schwitzky was appointed global head of innovation, AI platforms and products, while Levin took on the role of global head of innovation, clients and growth.
Latz announced his departure on September 10 after 17 years across WPP, Burson and its predecessor agencies. He had served as Burson’s global chief innovation officer since the agency was formed through the 2024 merger of BCW and Hill & Knowlton, having previously held the same position at BCW.
During his tenure, Latz led Burson’s innovation and product development efforts, including its AI initiatives, and worked closely with Schwitzky and Levin on projects including Decipher.
Burson CEO Corey duBrowa thanked Latz for his contribution to the agency’s innovation capabilities during a period of significant transformation.
“His efforts helped strengthen the foundation we are building upon today,” duBrowa said.
